Cincinnati Secures Spot in Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities Initiative

Cincinnati has clinched a coveted spot in the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative, according to a March 12 announcement from Mayor Aftab Pureval’s office. Cincinnati is one of 25 U.S. cities participating in the commitment to building resilient, eco-friendly communities.

The three-year program, backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies with a $200 million investment, aims to turbocharge cities’ efforts to tackle the “overlapping crises of climate change and racial wealth inequity.”

“Cincinnati’s selection is a testament to our city’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and resilience,” said Pureval in a release announcing the initiative.

Cincinnati will now receive support from up to three dedicated Innovation Team members with expertise in data analysis, human-centered design and project management. The goal of the team is to bolster city capacity in driving progress on climate mitigation while promoting equitable outcomes.

City Manager Sheryl Long said the new Innovation Team will allow the city to pursue more ambitious projects.

“Our city leadership understands the importance of innovative environmental solutions,” Long said. “This initiative will enable us to pursue ambitious projects that will pave the way for a sustainable future for Cincinnati.”

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The city will also receive a custom multi-year policy and technical assistance in collaboration with community-based organizations to mobilize public and private investments.

“Climate-forward cities, that are investing right now in resiliency, environmental justice and innovative solutions will be best-positioned to thrive in the generations to come,” Pureval said. “The expertise and direct support provided by our innovation team will be an essential part of this work, and we are exceptionally proud to take part in this program.”

Cincinnati is already a member of the 2030 Districts Network, a group of 23 (and counting) urban cities across North America that have publicly committed to reducing energy consumption, water use and transportation emissions by at least 50% before scientists say it’s too late.

Director of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment & Sustainability Ollie Kroner said the Innovation Team is a “major opportunity” for the Green Cincinnati Plan.

“We are focused on climate solutions that benefit everyone, especially communities that need the most help,” Kroner said. “This grant is a major opportunity to deliver on the community vision set forth in the Green Cincinnati Plan, and invest dollars in a way that touches peoples’ lives.”

The city’s announcement does not lay out a timeline for the new Innovation Team.

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This article appears in Mar 6-19, 2024.